Strap in, because we’re about to embark on a steamy journey through the television of the last decade where the heat was turned up to eleven. Here’s a list of shows that had us fanning ourselves, not just from the plot twists.
10. The Deuce (2017-2019)HBO decided to take us back to the gritty, neon-lit streets of 1970s Times Square, where sex wasn’t just the business; it was the main event. “The Deuce” was as much about the heartache and hustle of the sex industry as it was about the skin on display. With stars like Maggie Gyllenhaal showing more than just acting chops, it was like watching an educational film through the lens of a peep show.
9. Harlots (2017-2019)Hulu’s “Harlots” brought us into the catty, corseted world of 18th-century London’s brothels. This show managed to make sex work look like a period drama with a side of sass. It’s like if “Downton Abbey” had a wild night out and decided to go full-on sexy. The show’s blend of sharp dialogue, historical accuracy, and yes, plenty of nudity, made it a standout in the steamy stakes.
8. Westworld (2016-present)HBO’s sci-fi Western had us questioning if we were more human or machine, but one thing was clear: the sex scenes were as real as they come. From the first season’s brothel scenes to the complex relationships between hosts and guests, “Westworld” used nudity to explore themes of control, desire, and identity. It was like watching “The Matrix” decide to get a bit frisky.
7. Penny Dreadful (2014-2016)Showtime’s Gothic horror series wasn’t all about monsters under the bed; it had plenty of action on top of the sheets too. With characters like Dorian Gray, who’s essentially the Victorian era’s answer to a player, “Penny Dreadful” mixed dark storytelling with dark desires. It was the kind of show where you needed a flashlight not just for the jump scares but to find your jaw after it dropped.
6. Shameless (2011-2021)Showtime’s “Shameless” was like a masterclass in how to make dysfunction hilarious, heartwarming, and hot all at once. The Gallagher family’s antics were frequently punctuated by nudity, whether it was for comic relief or dramatic effect. It was like watching a soap opera where everyone forgot to wear clothes, but somehow, it worked.
5. Sense8 (2015-2018)Netflix’s “Sense8” was a beautiful, chaotic mess of a show where eight people from around the world were mentally linked, sharing not just thoughts but also sensations. This included some of the most inclusive and diverse sex scenes on TV, from a global orgy that was less about shock and more about unity. It was like if “The Matrix” had a really good therapist and decided to celebrate life in all its forms.
4. Outlander (2014-present)Starz’s “Outlander” gave us Jamie and Claire, whose chemistry could probably power a small village. Set in the rugged Scottish Highlands, their love story was filled with scenes so passionate, you’d swear the screen was steaming up. This show taught us that time travel and steamy romance can go hand in hand, or should we say, hand in kilt?
3. Euphoria (2019-present)HBO’s “Euphoria” was like walking into a high school rave with a camera crew. This series, with its neon-drenched visuals and raw portrayal of teenage life, didn’t shy away from showing the complexities of sex and drugs. The sex scenes were as much art as they were narrative, making you feel like you needed a cold shower after each episode, not just for the heat but for the emotional depth.
2. Bridgerton (2020-present)Netflix’s “Bridgerton” took the Regency era and turned it into a dance of desire set to modern pop music. The show’s sex scenes were not just about the act but the buildup, the tension, and the release. It was like watching “Pride and Prejudice” if Mr. Darcy had decided to throw caution (and his shirt) to the wind.
1. Game of Thrones (2011-2019)And then there’s HBO’s “Game of Thrones,” the show that turned “sexposition” into a household word. From Daenerys’s liberating nudity to Cersei’s infamous walk of atonement, GoT had it all. It was a masterclass in using sex to advance plot, develop characters, or just give fans something to talk about at the water cooler. In the end, it wasn’t just about who sat on the Iron Throne but who got there with the least amount of clothing.
So, there you have it, a steamy, tour through television’s hottest offerings of the decade. Remember, these shows didn’t just heat up our screens; they ignited conversations about sex, love, and the art of storytelling. Keep the ice handy; you’ll need it.
